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Energy Efficient Lighting
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In the absence of high air conditioning costs, due to our temperate climate, lighting becomes a substantial portion of typical residential and commercial energy costs. The good news is there are now affordable technologies that greatly improve the efficiency of lights in homes and businesses that can make a big dent in your electricity bill.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are an efficient
alternative to traditional “A-type” light bulbs we
are all familiar with. Using CFLs, the same
light level can be produced for one-fourth the
energy, and improvements in fluorescent lights in
general make the light almost indistinguishable from
incandescent light in terms of color.
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The relatively high price of a CFL
may scare you off initially, but it shouldn't. The
typical incandescent light bulb may cost only 50
cents, but it will cost approximately $12.00 in
electricity costs for 1,000 hours of use (the life
of the bulb). A CFL, with the equivalent light
output, and ten times the lifespan, can be purchased
for approximately $5.00, but will only use $3 a year
in energy cost. That saves you $9 every year...and
it lasts 10 years! You get your money back in the
first year AND you continue to save every year after
that. NOW which light bulb is cheaper?!
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For more information, contact:
- EnergyStar (888) 782-7837
- Lightbulbs Unlimited: (310) 829-7400, located at 2309 Wilshire Blvd.
- Fisher Lumber: (310) 395-0956, located at 1600
Lincoln Blvd.
- Santa Monica Energy Office: (310) 458-2238
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Fluorescent Torchieres
The halogen torchiere lamp that stands high and
beams light off the ceiling is a popular fixture in
many residential home living rooms and bedrooms but
it is an energy travesty and a fire hazard as well!
A fluorescent alternative is now available that
produces equivalent light output, retains the
dimming capability, and again saves 75% of the
energy! In this case the entire fixture is exchanged
for a fluorescent version that uses a new
fluorescent lamp shape (the “double D”). The
equivalent light output is created with a cooler
lamp (warm to the touch but not the 1000°F fire
hazard of a halogen lamp.
The halogen variety
has been documented as having started hundreds of
fires nationwide when dust, clothes, or curtains
have contacted the hot lamp, and in some cases when
the fragile lamp has burst and scattered white-hot
glass onto combustible furniture or carpet.
Needless to say, the replacement of these fixtures
should be a priority for every homeowner.
You can now buy
energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s)
at most local retailers, home improvement, and
warehouse stores. Fluorescent torchieres may
require a little more searching, but a number of
manufacturers make them now, and lamp stores should
be familiar with them. Contact the City’s office if
you experience difficulty locating a source for
these lamps.
Commercial Lighting
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T-8 Fluorescent Lamps and Electronic Ballasts
The common T-12
4-foot fluorescent lamps with magnetic ballasts which for decades
defined commercial lighting can now be replaced with smaller diameter
T-8 and even T-5 lamps with electronic ballasts.
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The retrofit
of these lamps save about 20 to 40% of the energy, usually with a
payback of less than three years. Other benefits include better light
color and quality, less noise from the hum of electromagnetic ballasts,
and cooler operation, which helps to reduce air conditioning load.
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Downlighting
Also known as recessed can lights, downlights have efficient alternatives, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and compact metal halide options. Incandescent-to- arc discharge lighting change-outs such as this save up to 75% of the energy used for lighting. Often these change-outs require fixture retrofits, which are generally more labor intensive than just changing lamps. Again, the longer burn hours of typical commercial lighting applications lead to acceptable payback terms for these changes.
Lighting Controls
Such as occupancy sensors, twist timers, or energy management controls can also be used to reduce the hours-on for fixtures that are not required for continuous use. Warehouse lighting owners should consider bi-level controls and daylighting control systems that can reduce lighting during low-use periods or when skylights provide sufficient light levels in storage areas.
Outdoor Lighting
Systems now have efficient options as well, and a trend to reduce light levels and better control against light trespass and glare in exterior lighting, are making high-pressure sodium and metal halide (together known as high intensity discharge or HID) lamp choices more popular.
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Last updated: Friday, 05/14/2010
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Save Energy at Home and at Work
Southern California Edison has a new two-page brochure full of ways you can save energy at home and at the office. Find out what simple steps you can take, then put them into practice. Saving energy is easier than you think. |
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Got Solar?
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Interested in how your neighbor went solar and what their experience was like? Solar Santa Monica profiles the experiences of numerous participants, both commercial and residential. Check them out.
To learn more about the free Solar Santa Monica program and to realize your solar potential, contact us at (310) 458-4992. Stay informed with our newsletter. We will help you meet your sustainability goals.
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